Thursday, December 20, 2007
"Home School Family"
This is absolutely hilarious! If you homeschool or know someone who does, you'll get a good laugh out of this short video. Watch it here.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Emily's Take on Christmas Decorations
Emily has given us a lot of laughs this month.
Santa Claus
*Disclaimer* We don't celebrate Santa Claus at our house. We have some ornaments that family have given us and our stockings that we keep for sentimental reasons. (You can read about it here and here.) But other than that there are no Santas around here. Our kids know the real story of St. Nicholas, that he was a man who did kind things for the poor. But he died and did not rise again. Christmas is about Jesus.
But.... you see the jolly old St. Nick everywhere. Especially when he's 15 feet tall perched atop the Wendys that we pass every time we go to Church! This is Emily's response, every time!
"Look, its the funny man with the HO-HO hat!!!"
Christmas Trees
Emily loves Christmas trees. When we went to get ours she started singing "O Christmas Tree" at the top of her lungs! Here's her version.
"O Kistmas Twee O Kismas Twee, Ne Non Non Change Me"
She loves this song and sings it almost everyday!
Nativity
We have a playmobile Nativity set that has seen better days. Emily also loves to play with what's left of it. I think we'll be up for a new one next year.
When we put it up she started singing, "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong. They are weak but he is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so!"
She sings this song just about everyday too, usually when playing with the nativity set. It's so precious!
Chocolate decorations are good too!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Amy Singing
These pictures were taken yesterday when Amy's choir performed their final Christmas Concert. We forgot our camera. These were on the front page of our "Local" section in the paper! We all had such a great time listening to Amy and the other choirs, and singing along for some of the songs too.
The concert hall.
The new organ that our community is very proud of.
Amy bottom left singing with her choir.
The concert hall.
The new organ that our community is very proud of.
Amy bottom left singing with her choir.Sunday, December 16, 2007
Christmas Meme
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?Wrapping paper with fancy ribbon. When we were first married, I tried to use the cheap curly ribbon and Sean asked me if I could please use nice ribbon. I'm sure he doesn't even remember that conversation, but now I like to use the ribbon that has wired edges.
2. REAL OR FAKE TREE?
Real! I grew up with 17 foot tall REAL trees. The tradition dies hard.
3. When do you put up the tree?
Varies, depends on Sean's schedule and when he has some free time.
4. When do you take the tree down?
A few days after Christmas
5. Do you like eggnog?
Love it!
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
I have no idea! I received a lot of good ones.
7. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes, we have a playmobile one, a clay one, a little glass one from Mexico and an expensive set that my father in law sent to us for Christmas last year. With all that, I'll be on the look out for after Christmas sales to buy one for each of the kids rooms. (Inspired by Kim.)
8. Hardest person to buy for?
Sean
9. Easiest person to buy for?
My mom, we like a lot of the same things.
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
The 9 foot tall metal windmill that was supposed to go in our yard.
11. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Snail Mail. Our family newsletter produced entirely by my creative husband is something that at least a dozen people or more ask specifically if they are going to get. But after printing upwards of 150 we're thinking maybe next year asking people to give us their email if they still want to get it. Who knows we may just send it to that dozen who really want it!
12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
We just watched A White Christmas today so I can't think of much else. But that is a really great movie.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
The day after Christmas. But really in earnest around Oct/November
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Sure, anyone want a 9 foot windmill?!
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Dessert.
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
I've always wanted to try a clear tree that was elegant and classy. Sean likes colored and all our ornaments are kid made, bought for kids or little santas and snowmen dressed like what Sean does for work. So we always go with the colored. This year we have lights that have an "elegant" sparkle. I put white lights on the windowsill with greenery.
17. Favorite Christmas music?
Live! I love going to Christmas concerts.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
We travel to my parents one year and stay home the next.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's?
No.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
In years past we've had a snowflake. This year, I put up a cross ornament for two reasons. One, I didn't want to get out the ladder to put the snowflake up with. (The cross has a loop that I could just reach to the top, the snowflake has to be plugged in.) But mostly because I think it's a cool idea.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
One present on Christmas eve, the rest Christmas morning...unless Sean has to work it, then we get creative.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
My tendency to want to spend too much money.
23. What is the "corniest" family tradition you do, or miss doing?
I really miss those 17 foot tall trees and the all day hikes that it took to find them.
24. Ugliest Christmas Decoration ever invented?
I really dislike "cutesy" things.
25. Which looks the best, theme trees or homey trees?
I grew up with the homey tree, and I every year we have a homey tree. (see #16) But one of these years, I'd like to have a theme tree. Although our tree is in danger of becoming a "Santa ____ Man" tree and that's not quite the theme I had in mind!
Here are some pictures.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
The Gift of Contentment
This article came today in my email box. It didn't have it's own web page (that I could find) so I just copied it here for you. I sooo needed to hear this today. We have been struggling with school this fall. Or rather I should say my idea of what school should look like. Sean's job, my health, and a two year old among other things, have really thrown me for a loop. I have several times felt like I could not do this job anymore. But the reality is I just don't WANT to sometimes. I have wanted to teach on my terms and my life is not cooperating! I'm grateful that God directed me to this article to encourage me and help me to see my sin.
The Gift of Contentment
I believe one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the gift of being a contented mother and wife. Contentment can be an area we struggle with as Christian women. This is evident in the e-mails I receive from moms, and I recognize it in my life. While we should be the most contented women on the face of the earth, we may live our lives dissatisfied and striving for something different. Here is a request that was recently sent in as a Mom's Corner topic. First the mom shared a specific situation with me, which isn't included here, and then she moved on to her question.
Is my dissatisfaction evidence of God leading us to further changes or just my own flesh lacking contentment? I also don't want to throw my family into upheaval when it's just me struggling with the transition of homeschooling. It is my personal tendency to look for greener grass on the other side of the fence. When is it appropriate to press God for change, and when is it best to put your head down and press faithfully on with what you've already been given?
My husband and I continue to discuss it at length. We are not at odds. I am not nagging him. We just continue to discuss topics as they come up, remaining open to the other's heart on this subject.A Questioning Mom
Scripture has some specific verses for us when we begin to think about contentment. Let's start with them as a basis for our discussion.
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:11-13).
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content" (1 Timothy 6:6-8).
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5).
When I am asking myself the questions this mom is asking—is my dissatisfaction an indication of God's leading or my own flesh lacking contentment?—I usually become aware that the answers involve my selfish heart. I am not choosing obedience to what the Lord Jesus has told me in these verses that have to do with contentment. Being dissatisfied is a symptom of that disobedience. If I am not being obedient, would He use my disobedience as a vehicle to prompt change? I don't believe He will. Instead, I am to learn to be content, to rest in the Lord Jesus and where He has me at the moment. Then if there is to be change, He will orchestrate it.
My first goal is to repent of the lack of contentment. Paul said in Philippians 4:11 that he learned contentment. It wasn't a state of mind that came naturally for him. It was a process that involved times of both hardship and bounty. Contentment with plenty was obviously not as difficult as contentment with hunger or need, but he said he had to learn it in both states. With God's strength Paul chose to take his thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) and be content. That is exactly what I need to do as well.
My experience has been that God brings change as a result of my contentment, not my discontentment. For example, for the past two years we have had no place to practice our family music except our living room. This means we always have instruments out in the living room. For a month or so before a trip, we also have our sound equipment out for practice sessions. The open area of our living room becomes filled with microphone stands and cables snaking everywhere. While I don't prefer the instruments and sound equipment to be out, I have been content with it. Last year, it became evident that our Titus2 ministry had outgrown our present home. We are now building another house that will accommodate the book storage needs, and it will also allow us an upstairs room where we can practice our music.
Discontentment seems to breed murmuring and complaining—a negative attitude toward the problem or situation. However, Scripture tells us to "Do all things without murmurings and disputings" (Philippians 2:14). Whatever we are discontent about becomes our focus and the topic of our regular complaints. Therefore, it also easily leads us to being a contentious woman—certainly a bad example for our children: "A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike" (Proverbs 27:15).
Sometimes there is a problem or need in our school or with the children. As I pray about it and take it to Steve, it isn't discontentment on my part that brings the solution. Rather, it is my accepting the situation and waiting on the Lord for His direction if there is to be a change of any kind. If I am not content and willing to wait on the Lord and my husband, then I become that contentious woman—nagging—a continual dripping to him.
I want my children to be content. Not only do I want them to be content, but I want them to be grateful as well. That begins in my heart and with my attitude. I can't expect from them what I don't have victory over in my own life. They will be aware of my discontent because they will hear my murmuring words and sense my negative heart.
Contentment is not complacency. If my house is a mess, I am not to be complacent by choosing not to clean it while saying I am content with the state of my house. However, if I am sick and can't clean the house as I normally would, then I need to be content to wait on the work until I am well.
I would encourage the mom who wrote to me to work on learning to be content in the area in which she is dissatisfied. Then as she rests in the Lord, she will observe what He will do with the situation. Perhaps He will leave it as it is. Perhaps He will change it the way she is wanting it to be. "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass" (Psalms 37:4-5). Perhaps it will take a turn she couldn't even envision at this point. It all starts with a focus on the questions: What is my delight? Is it in me and what I want, or is it in my Lord Jesus? May I encourage each of us to be known as women of contentment.
Written by Teri Maxwell, co-author of Managers of Their Homes, Managers of Their Chores, Keeping Our Children's Hearts, Just Around the Corner (Vols. 1 & 2), and author of Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit.
The Gift of Contentment
I believe one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the gift of being a contented mother and wife. Contentment can be an area we struggle with as Christian women. This is evident in the e-mails I receive from moms, and I recognize it in my life. While we should be the most contented women on the face of the earth, we may live our lives dissatisfied and striving for something different. Here is a request that was recently sent in as a Mom's Corner topic. First the mom shared a specific situation with me, which isn't included here, and then she moved on to her question.
Is my dissatisfaction evidence of God leading us to further changes or just my own flesh lacking contentment? I also don't want to throw my family into upheaval when it's just me struggling with the transition of homeschooling. It is my personal tendency to look for greener grass on the other side of the fence. When is it appropriate to press God for change, and when is it best to put your head down and press faithfully on with what you've already been given?
My husband and I continue to discuss it at length. We are not at odds. I am not nagging him. We just continue to discuss topics as they come up, remaining open to the other's heart on this subject.A Questioning Mom
Scripture has some specific verses for us when we begin to think about contentment. Let's start with them as a basis for our discussion.
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:11-13).
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content" (1 Timothy 6:6-8).
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5).
When I am asking myself the questions this mom is asking—is my dissatisfaction an indication of God's leading or my own flesh lacking contentment?—I usually become aware that the answers involve my selfish heart. I am not choosing obedience to what the Lord Jesus has told me in these verses that have to do with contentment. Being dissatisfied is a symptom of that disobedience. If I am not being obedient, would He use my disobedience as a vehicle to prompt change? I don't believe He will. Instead, I am to learn to be content, to rest in the Lord Jesus and where He has me at the moment. Then if there is to be change, He will orchestrate it.
My first goal is to repent of the lack of contentment. Paul said in Philippians 4:11 that he learned contentment. It wasn't a state of mind that came naturally for him. It was a process that involved times of both hardship and bounty. Contentment with plenty was obviously not as difficult as contentment with hunger or need, but he said he had to learn it in both states. With God's strength Paul chose to take his thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) and be content. That is exactly what I need to do as well.
My experience has been that God brings change as a result of my contentment, not my discontentment. For example, for the past two years we have had no place to practice our family music except our living room. This means we always have instruments out in the living room. For a month or so before a trip, we also have our sound equipment out for practice sessions. The open area of our living room becomes filled with microphone stands and cables snaking everywhere. While I don't prefer the instruments and sound equipment to be out, I have been content with it. Last year, it became evident that our Titus2 ministry had outgrown our present home. We are now building another house that will accommodate the book storage needs, and it will also allow us an upstairs room where we can practice our music.
Discontentment seems to breed murmuring and complaining—a negative attitude toward the problem or situation. However, Scripture tells us to "Do all things without murmurings and disputings" (Philippians 2:14). Whatever we are discontent about becomes our focus and the topic of our regular complaints. Therefore, it also easily leads us to being a contentious woman—certainly a bad example for our children: "A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike" (Proverbs 27:15).
Sometimes there is a problem or need in our school or with the children. As I pray about it and take it to Steve, it isn't discontentment on my part that brings the solution. Rather, it is my accepting the situation and waiting on the Lord for His direction if there is to be a change of any kind. If I am not content and willing to wait on the Lord and my husband, then I become that contentious woman—nagging—a continual dripping to him.
I want my children to be content. Not only do I want them to be content, but I want them to be grateful as well. That begins in my heart and with my attitude. I can't expect from them what I don't have victory over in my own life. They will be aware of my discontent because they will hear my murmuring words and sense my negative heart.
Contentment is not complacency. If my house is a mess, I am not to be complacent by choosing not to clean it while saying I am content with the state of my house. However, if I am sick and can't clean the house as I normally would, then I need to be content to wait on the work until I am well.
I would encourage the mom who wrote to me to work on learning to be content in the area in which she is dissatisfied. Then as she rests in the Lord, she will observe what He will do with the situation. Perhaps He will leave it as it is. Perhaps He will change it the way she is wanting it to be. "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass" (Psalms 37:4-5). Perhaps it will take a turn she couldn't even envision at this point. It all starts with a focus on the questions: What is my delight? Is it in me and what I want, or is it in my Lord Jesus? May I encourage each of us to be known as women of contentment.
Written by Teri Maxwell, co-author of Managers of Their Homes, Managers of Their Chores, Keeping Our Children's Hearts, Just Around the Corner (Vols. 1 & 2), and author of Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit.
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